Pete Davidson's Instagram post sparked concerns about his safety — here's what to do if a friend seems suicidal
Shortly after SNL cast member Pete Davidson posted a troubling message on Instagram, friends and fans rushed to support him. Rapper Machine Gun Kelly hopped on a plane to be at his friend’s side, while others tried to call and tweet to him. While the comedian appears to be OK for now, this crisis may have many others wondering what they should do if a loved one sends a similar call for help.
“I really don’t want to be on this earth anymore,” Davidson wrote on Saturday, before eventually deleting his social media accounts. Suicide prevention sites note that this is the kind of warning sign people should take very seriously.
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, when someone talks about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no reason to live, feeling trapped or in pain, being a burden to others, they may be considering suicide. Other warning signs include searching for a way to kill themselves, increasing use of drugs or alcohol, acting anxious, behaving recklessly, sleeping too much or too little, isolating themselves and showing mood swings or rage.
If someone you know exhibits any of these signs, Stop a Suicide suggests its ACT protocol, which stands for Acknowledge, Care, and Treatment. It’s important to listen to the person (acknowledge), and then calmly ask if they have a specific plan, no matter how uncomfortable that conversation may feel (care). While being there for them, you should also get professional help (treatment) immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, or by calling 911.
“Do take it seriously,” the site says. “If you recognize warning signs in your friend or loved one, it is very important to take them seriously. In fact, the majority of people who die by suicide gave some indication of their intention to those close to them.”
While there can’t be a specific script for these conversations, experts have said there are things you definitely shouldn’t say to someone in this state. Trying to cheer them up, telling them others have it worse, reminding them of how much it would hurt you or warning that they might go to hell are all unhelpful and may even make the person feel more alienated.
“When someone discloses suicidal thoughts to you, your words and actions can help the suicidal person to feel less alone and, as a result, hopeful,” therapist Stacey Freedenthal writes on her site Speaking of Suicide.
Machine Gun Kelly seems to have followed through on his promise to be there for Davidson. E! Online posted photos of the friends embracing early Sunday morning. After the conversation, experts say it’s important to follow up and encourage loved ones to speak to a mental health professional. Then, because these conversations can take their toll even on the listener, it might be a good idea for you to speak a professional too.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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